Category: Uncategorized (Page 1 of 3)
The Townsville Bulletin ran a story on my public speaking to school children.
1 of the notes that was given to me by a student after I spoke at their school.
St Patrick’s school in Bundaberg sent me all of these hand written notes from some of the students I spoke to..
They are so beautiful, they bring a tear to my eye and just melt my heart..
How lucky am I? Very lucky. I had the pleasure of going back to speak at Shailer Park State school for the second time.
These were my gifts.
Flowers
Chocolates
A certificate
And a thank you note from each of the students who listened to me. That was a total of 90 notes that I came home with, I have been sitting reading each one this afternoon.. each note will be kept as I treasure them, it makes the effort it takes for me and Trevor to do this, all worthwhile.
This is one of the letters that I have scanned that was sent to me from the year 5/6 students from St Joseph’s school in Bardon. I have removed their names and just left their initial on this photo, all these letters though will be placed in a book for me to keep forever… 
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Some lovely feedback…. 
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“Yesterday the 15th May we had the privilege of a visit from Trish at our Senior Citizens rooms here in Stanthorpe…… Listening to her story is inspirational. The obstacles both emotional and physical she has had to overcome is miraculous but with her determination not to let her ‘disability’ define who she is she inspires children and adults alike.
She is an incredible Artist, an incredible Speaker and most of all an incredible human being.
To her Mother I would like to say ‘thank you’ for raising such an incredible child who has grown up in to a warm , loving, empathetic and accepting adult……….. Trish makes the world a safer place for others with physical obstacles to overcome……… Thank you Trish and of course Trevor for your tireless work and dedication to educate children and adults alike to the constant battles and obstacles that people with disabilities face……..hopefully that education will bring change however small and that it will continue to send out positive ripple effects to everyone . An act of kindness that I know that everyone at Senior Citizens will be passing on…..bless you.” — Brenda
I had the pleasure of visiting and talking to a tiny country school, Mt Hunter, in NSW, it has only around 38 students. When I arrived I was greeted with a chorus of “Hello Trish” with lots of smiles beaming at me. I was then shown to one of their classrooms where in the windows hung drawings the children had drawn with their interpretations of some of my artwork. This brought me so many emotions that tears welled up in my eyes, as they say ‘imitation is the greatest form of flattery’. This is a short video of the window with all the artwork the children from prep to grade 6 did for me.
I love doing these talks and while the children get something out of listening to them and my health allows me, I will continue..
At Lawnton State School we dream big and have a philosophy that all our students, regardless of circumstances, are expected to aim and achieve high. Today Trish you were the epitome of grace and dignity and all things that Lawnton hold true. Our students were fascinated with your talk today and the positive way you promoted success on all levels and under all circumstances.
Our Facebook page is buzzing with excited parents and children sharing your journey and with one of our little year 1 students telling him mum, “see I can do it mum, Trish said there is no such word as “Can’t” You have made such a positive impact on all our community with sharing your story.
I love how both you and Trevor gave your time so freely to stay back with the myriad of students wanting you to draw for them and just be with you.
We have officially made you a Lawnton legend and would love to have you back to our school on our “Dream Big” afternoons where we ask or community to share stories with our students to inspire them to reach for the stars.
Thank you again, you have changed someone’s world today.
Principal, Lawnton State School
Good evening Trish and Trevor,
I just wanted to write and say a huge thank you to you both for coming to our school today and speaking with our community. Your message was so positive and powerful – and has had a big impact with our students and staff alike. At our school we are endeavouring to create leaders, and what better way to do this than to have someone who is an inspirational leader stand before our students and tell them their story of persistence, perseverance, courage and resilience. In speaking with our children today, I truly believe that you have altered the trajectory for some of our little guys in a positive and significant way… an outcome you may never get to hear about until 20 years from now – or maybe ever… but your message will resonate throughout their stories as they live their own lives and influence others in the way that you have influenced them. Just as your friend who was a teacher inspired you all those years ago by asking you to come to her school – you coming to speak at our school will no doubt have that very same impact.
On a personal note, meeting both you and Trevor has reaffirmed to me that there are still genuine and good people in the world, and that as a school we are not alone in trying to make tomorrow a better place for our kids. This has lifted me and has solidified my resolve that we can make a real difference in lives. Thank you.
Now we do things a little bit differently at our school compared to everywhere else that you might have been – and we are big believers in things happening at our school for a reason… so as we mentioned today you are now both officially adopted by our school community and are part of our Lawnton State School family. We viewed today as the start of a beautiful friendship and look forward to seeing how we will continue to cross paths along the way… this is non optional. J
I have included below a quick snip off our school’s Facebook page from a post that was put up earlier… Never underestimate the difference one person with a story to tell can make or where their influence might end!
Thank you again and we look forward to catching up again soon.
Warm regards,
Teacher, Lawnton School.